Two people charged with trafficking meth

Published: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 2:35 p.m.

Last Modified: Thursday, July 3, 2014 at 2:35 p.m.

BELLEVIEW — Two people were arrested by drug agents Wednesday night after authorities reported finding methamphetamine inside a freezer in the home they share.

Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team — which includes officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Ocala Police Department — went to the 11800 block of Southeast 99th Court in Belleview after receiving a tip about a meth lab at the home.

Agents said that as they were talking with Taura Hammil, 30, and her boyfriend, William D. Blan, 25, they saw an empty box of ephedrine near the back door and smelled a strong solvent odor coming from the residence, reports state.

Hammil told agents there "might be a meth cook inside the house" and told them "there are plastic tubes, chemicals, batteries and other supplies to make methamphetamine inside." She also said she had meth in her purse, the reports state.

A search warrant was obtained to gather materials from the home. Inside a freezer in the kitchen were five jars containing substances that weighed a total of 692 grams and tested positive for meth.

Found inside a bedroom Hammil said was hers were pipes, spoons and a scale. Inside her purse were three clear bags containing meth. Hammil said she sells meth "to pay bills and get by," according to the report.

Blan told agents he and Hammil were away from the home when they got a phone call that a man was there cooking meth without them. He said they went home to confront that person.

Officials said Hammil and Blan both changed their stories multiple times. They both were arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.

Blan is charged with trafficking meth over 200 grams. His bond was set at $50,000.

Hammil faces several charges, including trafficking meth over 200 grams and possession of meth with intent to sell. Her bond is $62,500.

Hammil does not have a criminal record.

According to court records, Blan has a hearing set for October for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.

<p>BELLEVIEW — Two people were arrested by drug agents Wednesday night after authorities reported finding methamphetamine inside a freezer in the home they share.</p><!-- Nothing to do. The paragraph has already been output --><p>Agents with the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team — which includes officers from the Marion County Sheriff's Office and Ocala Police Department — went to the 11800 block of Southeast 99th Court in Belleview after receiving a tip about a meth lab at the home.</p><p>Agents said that as they were talking with Taura Hammil, 30, and her boyfriend, William D. Blan, 25, they saw an empty box of ephedrine near the back door and smelled a strong solvent odor coming from the residence, reports state.</p><p>Hammil told agents there "might be a meth cook inside the house" and told them "there are plastic tubes, chemicals, batteries and other supplies to make methamphetamine inside." She also said she had meth in her purse, the reports state.</p><p>A search warrant was obtained to gather materials from the home. Inside a freezer in the kitchen were five jars containing substances that weighed a total of 692 grams and tested positive for meth.</p><p>Found inside a bedroom Hammil said was hers were pipes, spoons and a scale. Inside her purse were three clear bags containing meth. Hammil said she sells meth "to pay bills and get by," according to the report.</p><p>Blan told agents he and Hammil were away from the home when they got a phone call that a man was there cooking meth without them. He said they went home to confront that person.</p><p>Officials said Hammil and Blan both changed their stories multiple times. They both were arrested and taken to the Marion County Jail.</p><p>Blan is charged with trafficking meth over 200 grams. His bond was set at $50,000.</p><p>Hammil faces several charges, including trafficking meth over 200 grams and possession of meth with intent to sell. Her bond is $62,500.</p><p>Hammil does not have a criminal record.</p><p>According to court records, Blan has a hearing set for October for possession of meth and drug paraphernalia.</p><p><i>Contact Austin L. Miller at 867-4118 or austin.miller@starbanner.com.</i></p>